Agenda - 05-01-1996 - IX-E - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

'f L 73 given to infrastructure support/assistance from the County such as the pumping station or sewer. She noted that a major concern seemed to be that it would be a long time before development would occur and she felt that assistance with either the pump station or sewer provision would be an incentive for commercial development in the area. She felt that without County assistance with the infrastructure, it would be difficult to the development the area. Willis responded yes:such a recommendation could be made. MOTION: Jobsis moved to recommend to the County Commissioners that consideration be given to participation in the provision of either the pump station or sewer system as an incentive for development. Seconded by Walters. Howie stated that the only advantages in the expansion of the district seemed to be if the County would participate in the provision as suggested by Jobsis and that the owners would not have to request individual rezonings. It seems as if a lot is being done to provide an Economic Development District without having the water to attract economic development. Jobsis stated that she felt it would be a long time before development would occur unless there is some extra assistance. She felt that it would be too costly for a business to come in by themselves and pay for installation of sewer lines under the highway. Willis responded that she felt a long-term coordinated plan with a single pump station rather than a series of pump stations seems to be a better alternative. Jobsis stated that a long-term plan makes totally good sense for the area. The problem is whether the individual land owners can wait unless there is some assistance so that it will not be such a long time before development occurs. Walters expressed agreement with Willis that the area was designated a commercial industrial activity node several years ago;some of the landowners had requested that designation. She continued that they had also requested that the area be under the County's jurisdiction and that sewer be provided from Orange County. She noted that the water supply for that area is provided by Orange-Alamance. Using a map,Willis indicated the ridge lines and the service areas of Hillsborough, Orange Alamance and Mebane and the different watersheds involved. Rosemond asked how built out the north side is at this time. Willis responded that there has been no change since being designated an Economic Development District. Rosemond expressed concern that since there is no pressure to build in the area,such a large"chunk"of land that borders a critical area is being considered for expansion. Willis responded that all of the Economic Development Districts are long-term prospects. She agreed that there is not intense pressure on the district at this time. However,if an area is to be targeted for an Economic Development District, it must be dealt with well in advance to make the development feasible. Rosemond continued that was a part of her concern. Such large tracts of land are being"cut- out"that are abutting the critical areas. Willis stated that the area outlined for expansion followed the road outlines. She also noted that proposals being presented at public hearing should be as broad as possible because the area could be decreased without going again to public hearing but could not be greater than what was presented at the public hearing. Price expressed the same concerns noted by Rosemond. She also asked if interest in commercial development had been expressed by someone and the Staff decided to